Is Mekong Delta Worth Visiting? Day Tour or Multi-Day Tour?
Is Mekong Delta worth visiting? This is a frequent question when you plan a trip to the south of Vietnam. After your visit to Ho Chi Minh City, you might wonder if there are any reasons to visit the Mekong Delta before moving on. While you are still considering, read on for some insights into the region dubbed ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam.’
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Where is Mekong Delta in Vietnam?
The Mekong Delta, also known as the Western Region (Miền Tây in Vietnamese) is a vast and fertile region with a complex maze of waterways. The size of the area covered by water depends on the season. Dubbed as a “biological treasure trove,” the Mekong Delta features a variety of plants, freshwater fish, water birds, and new species recently discovered.
So, how far is Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City? The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta is about 173 km. The area can be accessed via many routes, with the most common ones being Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho (76 km), Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre (85 km), and Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho (160 km).
Is the Mekong Delta Worth Visiting?
Yes, there are many places to visit and things to do in the Mekong Delta. If you travel to the south of Vietnam, a visit to the Mekong Delta should be high on your must-see list. After experiencing the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, take a moment to relax and find some inner peace as you traverse the lush area.
As the Mekong Delta is usually synonymous with an intricate system of waterways, you can take great pleasure in scenic boat rides along the peaceful canals. There will be plenty of photo opportunities when you pass by tropical coconut palms, lush orchards, and vibrant rice paddies. Travelling during the “floating season”, your trip will be filled with authentic experiences, admiring the truest local way of life revolving around water.
If you have limited time, consider taking a day tour to the Mekong Delta. You can see highlights of the region and travel back to Ho Chi Minh City on the same day. For immersive experiences, consider 2-5 days exploring traditional villages, engaging with local communities, and gaining deeper insight into their daily lives and livelihoods.
» See more on Mekong River Delta: Travel to Vietnam’s Rice Bowl
Tips for travelling to the Mekong Delta
Travelling to the Mekong Delta for the first time, some may start to ponder what essentials to bring along or what travel advice to keep in mind. The good news is that you can expect a high level of accessibility from the region, and the preparation for the trip can be effortless.
1. How to get to Mekong Delta from Saigon?
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel to the Mekong Delta by private car, speedboat, bus, or plane. Depending on the exact location you’re going to visit, each means of transportation offers different travel times, costs, and levels of convenience.
• By private car: Private transfer is the most popular way to get to the Mekong Delta, particularly if you plan to visit My Tho (1 hour and 30 minutes) and Ben Tre (1 hour and 50 minutes). A standard 4-seater, air-conditioned car usually costs around $65 – $95 for a round trip on the same day.
• By speedboat: Travelling by speedboat allows you to steer clear of heavy traffic and maximise your sightseeing experience. You can depart from Bach Dang Wharf, about 3 km from Nha Rong Port. The travel time is around 60-75 minutes, and you will get to the Mekong Delta shortly. The speedboat option is usually included in a package tour, and you will see typical attractions, such as Cao Dai temples or riverside markets. The Mekong Delta speedboat tour may start from $100 per person.
• By bus: There are two common options to choose from, the express bus and the sleeper bus. If you travel on a budget, consider taking a sleeper bus, a bus uniquely designed for long-distance travel with sleeping bunks instead of traditional seating. You can easily book the tickets directly at Mien Tay Bus Station or reserve your seat through online booking. The most popular route, the Saigon – Chau Doc takes around 7 hours with an estimated fare of $8. Remember to go with a well-known transportation company, such as Futa Bus, Mai Linh Express, Thao Chau, etc.
• By plane: You can travel by plane to the Mekong Delta, arriving at Can Tho International Airport (VCA), Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), and Ca Mau Airport (CAH). Flight times are relatively short, with several airlines offering regular service, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Pacific Airlines. The most popular route, from Saigon to Phu Quoc, takes just one hour and starts at only $60 for a round-trip ticket.
2. What to wear to Mekong Delta?
When it comes to packing for the Mekong Delta, focus on comfort and lightweight clothing for ease and comfort. Although what to wear to the Mekong Delta depends much on your travel style and the activities you’re going to take part in, you need to keep a few factors in mind to ensure a smooth trip.
• Bring lightweight, breathable clothing: In southern Vietnam, the dry season lasts from November to late April or early May, with the hottest and most humid period typically occurring between late February and May. The temperature remains between 25°C and 35°C year round, which means short-sleeved T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, skirts, and skorts should be high on your list of priorities. It is recommended you wear cotton or linen fabric as these types of clothes absorb sweat quickly.
• Don’t forget your sun protection must-haves: Sun protection is crucial to keep you safe from sunburn and heat exhaustion while exploring. Don’t forget suncream (ideally with an SPF of 30 or higher), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Consider buying a local conical hat (nón lá) which will both prevent you from getting sunburned and make you look more charming.
• Choose comfortable walking shoes: You may do some or a lot of walking on your Mekong Delta trip, so remember to choose comfortable footwear. A good pair of shoes ensures you explore the local diverse landscapes without compromising your comfort.
• Pack for the rainy season: While you’ve been prepared to deal with the heat, it’s not unnecessary to get something ready when it rains. The rainy season might sound a bit disappointing, but in fact, it can barely disrupt your travel plan. A raincoat is more practical than an umbrella, and a sturdy pair of sandals will allow you to move easily on muddy, wet ground.
• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites: Visiting the Mekong Delta usually includes visits to pagodas, Cao Dai temples, Cham mosques, or local villages. It’s always a good idea to pay respect to the local culture and religion by dressing appropriately. For this, put on long pants and long-sleeved T-shirts with no shoulders and knees revealed. You can purchase a sarong in case of need to cover the revealing parts.
» See more on Vietnam Packing List: How to Pack Smarter
3. The best time to visit the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons – the dry season (from November to April) and the rainy season (from May to October). The best time to visit the Mekong Delta is usually the dry season when the water levels are lower and allow for smooth boat rides. You don’t have to worry about the rain, particularly you can enjoy your cruise on the floating market on calm, quiet waters. This period is also ideal for a bike ride exploring the peaceful countryside and local life.
On the other hand, if your trip falls into the rainy season, you may not be able to enjoy a bike ride due to strong wind and heavy rains. However, travelling to the Mekong Delta during this period, you will see how the region transforms into a lush, green paradise thanks to frequent showers. The rainy season also welcomes fewer tourists, which means you don’t need to struggle with the crowds visiting local markets, temples, and villages, but enjoy more interactions with the locals.
» See more on A Traveler’s Guide to Weather and Climate in Vietnam
4. What to buy in the Mekong Delta
Shopping is not a major highlight of the Mekong Delta trip, but you will have the opportunity to discover a few charming local souvenirs and specialties during your journey. The Mekong Delta is blessed with fresh produce and handmade treats, many of which can be conveniently brought back to your home country. We’ve compiled the list of must-have souvenirs and where to buy them. Explore further details below.
√ Coconut candies
The coconut candy or kẹo dừa is a staple part of Ben Tre. When you visit the land of coconut, it’s hard to resist the many delightful treats made from this versatile fruit. Locals take pride in the traditional craft of coconut candy making, a skill that has been passed down through generations.
When visiting a coconut candy workshop in Ben Tre, you can witness the whole process of making coconut candies, from extracting coconut milk to final packaging with rice paper. And there’s not just one kind of coconut candy, you can choose from different unique flavours that match your taste – durian, cocoa, taro, and coffee, to name just a few.
√ Honey
The Mekong Delta’s fertile soil and many fruit plantations make it a suitable location for beekeeping. When you visit a local bee farm and learn about the beekeeping process, don’t miss the opportunity to try the local tea, delicately infused with lime and fresh honeycomb.
In addition to honey, you can purchase a variety of products, from bee pollen, beeswax, bee pollen, royal jelly to propolis. From the hive to your hands, these local products are both versatile and make thoughtful, wellness-inspired gifts. One thing to keep in mind – check with your airline and local immigration rules to make sure honey products are allowed in your luggage.
√ Traditional handicrafts
If it’s not for the coconut candy, Ben Tre basks in intricate lacquerware, household items and works of art that showcase local people’s meticulous craftsmanship and take advantage of the raw materials from coconut trees such as coconut shells, coconut wood, coconut leaves, fiber, etc.
You can buy many eye-catching items for your own use or gift others, from chopsticks, spoons, forks, cups to teapots, cyclo models, and lamps. Check your goods thoroughly to see whether there’s any damage. Also, brush up on your negotiation skills to secure the best possible deal.
√ Pía cakes
When you visit Soc Trang, don’t forget to try some pía cake. This type of cake is the delicacy often eaten during moon worship, similar to the Cantonese-style mooncake. Pía cake’s fillings are typically made with a mung bean paste, glutinous rice flour, and durian flesh, which makes the pastry more tender and creamy. Due to their super sweet flavour, pía cakes are usually served with a cup of tea.
Here are some common pía cakes that will surely delight your taste buds:
• Durian cakes with green beans
• Durian cakes with lotus seeds
• Durian cakes with taro
• Durian cakes with pandan leaf flavour
Reputable brands include Tan Hue Vien, Cong Lap Thanh, Tan Hung, My Anh, and My Hiep Thanh. The cake is not merely a culinary delight, but a cherished element of local life — a perfect keepsake to bring home and savour with loved ones.
√ Milk rice paper
Milk rice paper is a special type of rice paper made by mixing coconut milk into the rice flour. This type of rice paper sets itself apart thanks to the smooth texture of rice paper mixed with the distinctive flavour of durian.
Milk rice paper can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes, but it’s most commonly savoured as a sweet treat. Additional ingredients such as black sesame seeds, green rice, etc. are added to provide a variety of flavours. This snack can be eaten right away or grilled on a charcoal burner or oven.
Mekong Delta Best Places to Visit
Your trip to the Mekong Delta can be just as vibrant as it sounds, especially when you take in its diverse landscapes — ranging from breathtaking natural beauty to impressive architectural marvels. Here are the must-sees when you make a visit to this lush, green paradise.
1. Tra Su Cajuput Forest
A true natural wonder in the Mekong Delta, Tra Su Cajuput Forest (also known as Tra Su Bird Sanctuary) is an ideal place to unwind and get into a meditative state. Stretching over 800,000 hectares, this forest is home to a myriad of birds, plants, and rare species. This is the opportunity for you to explore the abundant biodiversity firsthand. Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a highly biodiverse natural habitat and a popular eco-tourism destination that promises to bring you a better understanding of the region’s wetland ecosystem.
2. Cai Rang Floating Market
Cai Rang Floating Market is the heart and soul of the Mekong Delta, particularly Can Tho. The biggest of its kind in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang Floating Market specialises in the trade of vegetables and fruits on the Hau River. You can witness the local trading activities taking place vibrantly in the early morning, usually from 5.30 a.m. to 6.30 a.m. The bustling atmosphere comes alive with the hum of boat engines, the lively chatter of locals bargaining, and the vibrant energy of daily life on the water. The best part of the Mekong Delta must be its diverse food scene, where you can taste different types of fruits and noodle soups directly sold from boat to boat.
3. Vinh Trang Temple
Originally constructed in 1849 as Thien Hau Pagoda, the temple underwent a significant transformation in 1904, emerging with its new name — Vinh Trang. The name of this Buddhist temple conveys a poetic meaning—“eternal as mountains and rivers, lasting forever.” Vinh Trang Temple was modelled after the architecture of Giac Lam Pagoda in Gia Dinh, and has undergone several renovations. Now, visiting the temple, you will be captivated by its striking blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. Though the temple has existed for years, its timeless charm remains beautifully intertwined with subtle modern elements.
4. Binh Thuy Ancient House
Binh Thuy Ancient House offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle once enjoyed by the elite of the Mekong Delta. This architectural site is a remarkable fusion reflecting both cultural heritage and historical significance. Filmed in the famous movie ‘The Lover’ directed by Jean Jacques Annaud, Binh Thuy Ancient House tells the story of a young French novelist Marguerite Duras set during Indochina times. If you are a fan of ornamental plants, the garden offers plenty of opportunities to admire a wide variety of beautifully cultivated species. Binh Thuy Ancient House also serves as a treasure trove of rare antiques, including marble tables and chairs from China, sofas from France, etc.
5. Sadec Flower Village
Sadec Flower Village has a tradition of more than 100 years, always in full bloom with a variety of flowers, such as roses, daisies, lotuses, and orchids. This village is at its best during the Lunar New Year holiday, usually between January and February, when more flowers are planted to prepare for sale. You can see thousands of people flock to the village to purchase flowers and take photos in the gorgeous floral setting. Visitors can learn more about Sa Dec Flower Village and experience local life by listening to local farmers introduce the stages of planting and harvesting flowers.
6. Long Beach
If you visit Phu Quoc for its magnificent beaches, you should never skip Long Beach (also known as Bai Dai Beach). One of the most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc, Long Beach boasts a coastline of over 15 kilometres with white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural scenery. Just 2 kilometres from Phu Quoc International Airport and a 20-minute drive from the night market, Long Beach can be conveniently added to your itinerary for a truly immersive Phu Quoc exploration. Take advantage of the cool water to try your favourite water sports, such as swimming, snorkelling, diving, and kayaking, or simply enjoy a calming stroll along the beach to take in the incredible sunrise or sunset.
7. Phu Quoc Prison
Phu Quoc is not only famed for its beaches and natural scenery but also its historic sites. Step into the turbulent history of Phu Quoc at Phu Quoc Island (Coconut Tree Island) and learn more about the resilience of its prisoners. Phu Quoc Prison, the earthly hell on the Pearl Island, was the largest prisoner camp in southern Vietnam during World War II, holding around 14,000 prisoners until April 1954. Get up close to the “tiger cages,” and houses of horrors where prisoners were kept and faced brutal torture methods. Some scenes may be disturbing, so it’s strongly recommended to take this into consideration before visiting the site.
8. Ba Chua Xu Temple
An important place of worship in An Giang Province, Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain takes pride in its grand festival of Ba Chua Xu Goddess, when pilgrims gather at the temple to seek blessings, make prayers, and show appreciation for her divine protection. The temple is a harmonious reflection of Buddhism and Taoism, making it a unique symbol of spiritual unity. Once you visit Ba Chua Xu Temple, don’t forget to enjoy local dishes, including bún cá (rice vermicelli cooked with fish), thốt nốt (fresh sugar palm fruit), bánh bò thốt nốt (steamed rice cake with palm sugar paste), etc.
» See more on Mekong Delta Traveling: What to See & Do
Mekong Delta Tour Suggestions
Your journey through the Mekong Delta can be tailored to suit the time you have available. Here are some of our suggestions to maximise your time in the Mekong Delta and truly immerse yourself in the rich local culture.
1. Full-Day Mekong Delta Tour
Full-Day Ben Tre Mekong Delta Tour by Maika Tours
You will access the Mekong Delta via My Tho and Ben Tre, touring Thoi Son Islet (locally known as Unicorn Islet) and visiting coconut candy-making workshops. The highlight of the tour is tasting freshly picked seasonal fruits while listening to traditional southern Vietnamese folk music.
2. Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour
Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full Day Tour by Maika Tours
Perfectly designed to fit those who travel with time restraints, this tour allows you to experience the complex maze of the tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City and the tranquil waterways in the Mekong Delta, all within a day. Are the Cu Chi Tunnels worth visiting? Learn about Vietnam’s tumultuous past while exploring the tunnels and admire the resourcefulness of the Viet Cong guerrillas. Later, enjoy a transfer to the Mekong Delta, where you will be surrounded by the warmth and friendliness of locals. Taste local fruits and savour the taste of honey stright from honeycombs. You will also get a thrilling ride on xe lam (a type of motorcart).
3. 3-Day Mekong Delta Tour
3-Day Mekong Delta Tour by Maika Tours
Sit on a traditional sampan and peacefully cruise along the serene canals. You can admire the beauty of hidden waterways and quaint villages. Enjoy a peaceful bike ride around the island and visit local families to learn about local life and how locals use the land to craft everything from delicate rice paper to the sturdy roofs of their homes. Observe the skillful craftsmanship of local artisans as they create coconut candy, rice wine, hand-crafted pottery, and traditional bricks entirely from scratch.
This tour also includes visits to a floating fish farm and the village of Cham ethnic people where you can see houses on stilts on the two sides of the river. You will stop at Ba Chua Xu Temple and Tra Su Bird Sanctuary.
Finally, you will soak up the most vibrant floating market in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang Floating Market. Sip your morning coffee or enjoy local rice noodles soup sold directly from boat to boat. Take a peaceful pause at Vinh Trang Temple and marvel at its stunning blend of intricate architecture.
4. Mekong Delta Shore Excursion from Cruise Port
Mekong Delta Shore Excursion from Cruise Port – Private & Small-Group Tour by Maika Tours
If your cruise ship docks at Nha Rong, Hiep Phuoc, and Phu Huu, you can enjoy a full-day Mekong Delta with pick-ups and drop-offs from the port. The river, teeming with busy floating markets and sampans, offers a vivid glimpse into the rhythm of daily life in the Mekong Delta. You will visit Tan Phong Island, enjoy a traditional music performance, and interact with local families to delve into their daily lives.
» See more on Vietnam Shore Excursion: What You Need To Know
All in all, is Mekong Delta worth visiting? Imagine yourself slowly gliding along the canals, shaded by coconut palms on both banks, you will truly feel the heart of the Mekong Delta. With nature reserves, ancient traditions, and tropical islands, the Mekong Delta will give you a peek into Vietnam’s rich agricultural scene and traditions.